Our Commitment to Creating a Safe, Healthy, Smoke-free Community

Sifton Properties Limited is pleased to implement a Smoke-Free Policy in our Residential Rental Units. Our West 5 Townhome community is 100% smoke free, while the rest of our communities are in transition to e completely smoke-free. The Smoke Free Policy applies to all residents who signed a lease as of May 1, 2018 and later. It prohibits smoking inside a rental unit, as well as on a balcony, patio or anywhere else on Sifton property. In May 2018, the province of Ontario introduced a new standard tenancy agreement for all landlords and one of the inclusions is that tenants are not permitted to smoke in rental units. This promotes healthier living for all rental homes across the province. Our Smoke-Free Policy assists in providing a healthy and safe environment for our residents and staff.

Why are we adopting a Smoke-Free Policy?

Almost two-thirds (64%) of Ontarians living in multi-unit dwellings prefer smoke-free living. Approximately, 85% of Ontarians do not smoke and over 80% of Ontario households already have policies prohibiting smoking indoors. Through direct feedback from our residents and complaints about second hand smoke, we have found our residents greatly appreciate the amenity of smoke-free living. In addition to health benefits of a Smoke-Free Policy, we hope to provide residents with cleaner, better maintained units and a reduced risk of fire.

What is considered “Smoking”?

• Tobacco
• Cigarettes
• Cigars
• Cannabis
• Burning or smoking including vaping, hookah’s and incense
**References to “smoking” are deemed to include the smoking or burning of any substance**

Existing Tenants

For current tenants with existing lease agreements, this new policy will NOT apply to you. All current tenants (lease signed before April 30 2018) will be “grandfathered” (exempted) for the duration of their tenancies. This means you are permitted to smoke in your unit including on your balcony or patio; however, we encourage you to minimize smoking inside your home and use an air purifier as a courtesy to your neighbours.

New Tenants

As of April 30 2018, all new tenants have signed a tenancy agreement that includes a Smoke-Free addendum. This means that new tenants and their visitors will not be permitted to smoke in the rental unit, on balconies, patios or anywhere else on Sifton Property.

Join us in making our community healthy!

If you have signed a lease before April 30 2018, we encourage you to voluntarily comply with the new Smoke-Free Policy by signing a smoking addendum. By signing the addendum, you are committing to not smoking in your rental unit, on balconies, patios or anywhere else on Sifton Property. All tenants who agree to sign the smoking addendum by December 1st 2018 will be automatically entered into a draw to WIN a FREE Air Purifier valued at over $200. Join the many who have already taken the step in making healthier, safer choices!

To sign the Smoking Addendum and be entered into the draw, please contact your local Sifton Office.

Cannabis

When cannabis is legalized on October 17, 2018, Ontario’s Government for the People will be ready with rules that keep cannabis out of the hands of children and youth, and keep our roads safe. Ontario will have laws in place about how, where and who can buy and possess cannabis in the province. The government has also introduced legislation that, if passed, would help the province move forward with a tightly regulated private retail model for cannabis that would launch by April 1, 2019.

What is the difference between Recreational Cannabis vs. Medical Cannabis?

There are different “rules” that apply to recreational and medical cannabis.

Recreational Cannabis – Recreational drugs are psychoactive drugs consumed to alter one’s mental state in a way that modifies emotions, perceptions, and feelings for recreational purposes. When the substance enters the user’s body, it brings on an intoxicating effect.

Medical Cannabis – Medical cannabis is prescribed by a physician for health benefits such as pain management. The production and sale of medical cannabis is regulated exclusively by the federal government. If a health care professional has already authorized you to use cannabis for medical reasons, your access will not change when recreational cannabis is legal.

Growing Cannabis

• As per legislation for recreational cannabis, a total of 4 plants per dwelling unit (not per person) is permitted
• Prescription cannabis cannot be grown outdoors near schools, playgrounds, daycares
• Landlords have the contractual means to impose restrictions on growing cannabis in rental units

Filing Complaints

As we gradually transition to a smoke-free living environment, your cooperation and support is greatly appreciated. Because smoking will still be permitted in grandfathered” units, there is risk of second-hand smoke traveling from one unit to another through doorways, vents, windows, patios, etc.

Please note, although “grandfathered” units can continue smoking, be advised that should we receive complaints regarding second-hand smoke interfering with the reasonable enjoyment of your neighbours, you will be required to take immediate action to help re mediate the complaint.

Should the growth or smoking of cannabis (or smoking of any kind) interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residents, or pose a risk to the safety of the building or people, Sifton will investigate and proceed with legal remedies. It is the responsibility of the landlord and property owner to comply with health and safety by-laws and ensure the civil duty of care to tenants and staff.

Should you wish to file complaints to our office we require the following information:
The nature of the complaint, dates, times and details of the occurrence in writing.

Seasonal Air Quality Tips For Your Home

Spring:

• Vacuum regularly with an efficient vacuum cleaner.

• Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water once a week.

• Reduce clutter and get rid of unwanted materials to limit dust build-up.

• Test your carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.

• Check your humidity level with a hygrometer to make sure it is between 30-50%.

• Check dehumidifier and drain/clean if necessary.

• Use an air purifier

• Air out your home by opening windows and doors to let in fresh air.

Summer:

• Vacuum regularly with an efficient vacuum cleaner.

• Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water once a week.

• Test your carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.

• Monitor basement humidity and use a dehumidifier to maintain relative humidity lower than 50 per cent.

• Clean your dehumidifier regularly.

• Use an air purifier

• Air out your home by opening windows and doors to let in fresh air.

Fall:

• Change or clean your furnace air filters

• Test your carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.

• Check to see that windows and doors close tightly, and replace weather stripping if needed.

• Clean your dehumidifier before putting it away for the winter.

• Use an air purifier

• Check your humidity level with a hygrometer to make sure it is between 30-50%. If the humidity is below 30%, use a portable humidifier and make sure it is cleaned and emptied regularly and stop using it if humidity levels go above 50%.

• Vacuum regularly with an efficient vacuum cleaner.

• Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water once a week.

Winter:

• Change or clean your furnace air filters

• Test your carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.

• Monitor your home for excessive moisture – look for condensation on windows which shows too much moisture is found inside the home.

• Check your humidity level with a hygrometer to make sure it is between 30-50%. If the humidity is below 30%, use a portable humidifier and make sure it is cleaned and emptied regularly and stop using it if humidity levels go above 50%.

• Use an air purifier

• Vacuum regularly with an efficient vacuum cleaner.

• Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water once a week

Indoor Air Quality FAQ’s

1. Some air cleaners and vacuums come with a "HEPA" filter. What does this mean and does it really make a difference?

HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air which traps the very small particles that are of most concern to lung health. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters have been shown to reduce the amount of dust found indoors and also keep particles inside the vacuum cleaner instead of blowing them back out into the air.

2. Where's the best place for me to put my carbon monoxide detector?

A CO detector should be installed on each floor of the home near the sleeping area, such as a hallway, where people can hear it. If you have a fireplace, place the CO detector there to ensure dangerous levels of CO aren't leaking out and into your home.

3. How many carbon monoxide detectors should I have in my home?

You should have at least one CO detector, but if possible, put one on each floor.

4. What's wrong with using an air freshener?

Air fresheners do not solve the problem – they simply mask one odour with another. As well, air fresheners may contain harmful chemicals. It's best not to use them.

5. Is an unscented product safer for me to use?

This depends on each individual – some people do not react to scented products, while others can be more sensitive. Always test the product before using as reaction varies between people.

6. What should I avoid when buying cleaning products?

Read the label to check for which chemical ingredients are contained in the product. If there is a strong odour, it could create air quality problems in the home and anyone that comes in contact with it. Try making your own natural cleaning products.